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Watch the Full Video Tutorial
For a full step-by-step demonstration, check out my video tutorial on YouTube:
If you're looking for a unique and meaningful way to display your embroidery work (or to create a one-of-a-kind gift), an embroidery photo frame is a perfect option! In this tutorial, I’ll walk you step-by-step through how to make your own embroidery frame that fits a standard 4x6" photo frame using felt fabric and your favourite embroidery designs.
Supplies You'll Need
- Photo Frame: 4x6" IKEA FISKBO black frame (or any similar 4x6" frame you have)
- Soft Felt Fabric: 1 large piece for embroidery (10 x 12 inches / 26 x 30 cm) and 1 smaller piece for backing (6 ¼ x 8 inches / 16 x 20 cm). Tip: Choose a felt colour that matches your frame for a seamless look. I’m using black felt to match my black frame.
- Embroidery Hoop: A 5" or 13 cm embroidery hoop. Since this hoop doesn’t fit the entire design, I’ll reposition it as I work. If you have a large hoop that can cover the entire design, be sure your fabric is large enough to fit your hoop.
- Embroidery Design or Pattern: I have a collection of customisable patterns designed specifically for photo frames — you can check them out in my shop here.
- Stick N Stitch Paper: For transferring designs onto dark felt.
- Craft Glue: I find Tacky glue works well for felt.
- Elastic Bands (optional): 2 bands, each 6 ½ inches (16.5 cm) long and ¼ inch (0.6 cm) wide, for making the embroidery frame removable.
- Tailor’s Chalk: For marking on dark felt.
- Sewing Needle & Thread: Use thread that matches your felt color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Transfer Your Design
- Print your embroidery design onto Stick N Stitch stabilizer and trim the excess space.
- If you’re using my patterns, the final size after trimming will be about 7 x 9 inches (18 x 23 cm).
- Peel off the backing and stick the design onto the large felt piece, leaving about 1 ½ inches of margin on all sides.
- Use a simple running stitch to baste around the design (both inside and outside the printed area). This will help keep the stabilizer in place as you work.
2️⃣ Embroider Your Design
- Place your fabric in the hoop and start stitching as usual. Since my hoop is not big enough to fit the full design, I work in sections by repositioning the hoop as I complete each area.
- Once the embroidery is finished, remove the basting stitches.
- Trim the excess felt around the design, leaving a rectangle about 6 ¼ x 8 inches (16 x 20 cm).
- Trim away as much stabiliser as possible.
- Follow your stabilizer’s instructions for removal (I gently wash mine under warm water and scrub lightly with my fingers or a soft brush). Let dry flat.
3️⃣ Prepare the Backing Piece
- Cut a hole in the center of the main embroidered felt where the photo will show through.
- Place the main piece on top of the backing piece and trace the hole onto the backing felt. Cut out the hole on the backing as well.
- On the backing piece, label the sides to avoid confusion: mark “I” for the inward facing side and “O” for the outward facing side.
4️⃣ (Optional) Add Elastic Bands
Now it’s time to sew the elastic bands onto the backing piece. This step is completely optional—only needed if you want your embroidery to be removable rather than permanently attached to the photo frame. Feel free to skip it and move to step 5 if you plan to glue the embroidery directly onto the frame.
- On the inside ("I") of the backing piece, mark the 4 corners where the elastic bands will be attached.
- Cut small slits that match the width of your elastic bands and run parallel to the longer side of the backing piece.
- Start with the top right corner or any corner. Pull the elastic band from the outside through the slit you just made, leaving about 1 cm of the band on the inside. Sew the band onto the backing piece, stitching both above and below the slit to keep it secure. Make sure to start sewing from the inside of the backing piece so you can hide the tail end of the thread.
- Repeat the same process to attach the other end of the elastic band to the bottom right corner. Make sure the band is not twisted. On the outer side, the elastic bands’ ends will be neatly hidden for a seamless look.
- Follow the same process to sew the second elastic band onto the other side of the backing piece.
5️⃣ Assemble the Frame
- Apply a layer of glue to the center of the back of the main piece — no need to cover the entire surface, just enough to hold both pieces together.
- Carefully align and press the main piece onto the backing piece, making sure the inner sides are facing each other and the side with the elastic bands is facing outward.
- Let the glue dry for a couple of hours.
- Once it’s fully set, carefully trim the excess fabric, leaving a thin margin around the embroidery. Just be sure not to accidentally snip the elastic bands as you go.
- If the design doesn't cover the entire frame, use the frame guidelines as a reference for where to trim the excess fabric.
6️⃣ Finish the Edges
You have several options for finishing the edges:
- Option 1: Glue. The quickest method is to use glue. However, this may not be the most secure long-term, as glue can dry out over time and leave small gaps.
- Option 2: Whip Stitch. For a more secure finish, you can whip stitch the edges closely together. This takes more time but creates a very sturdy edge.
- Option 3: Running Stitch. A good balance between speed and security is using a running stitch with small, even stitches. Tips: When using either sewing method (options 2 or 3), start your stitch from between the two fabric layers so you can hide the tail end of the thread. For a seamless finish, use thread that matches the felt colour.
And that’s it — your embroidery photo frame is complete and ready to add to your photo frame!
This project makes a thoughtful handmade gift that’s completely customizable with your own embroidery patterns, names, and designs. If you’d like to explore my collection of customizable photo frame patterns, you can find them here.
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